Summary

Our Score

Wireless speakers… the term sounds like something of an oxymoron, until you learn that the 'wireless' part isn't referring to the speakers themselves, but rather their source connection. In the case of the Creative Inspire S2 Wireless speakers, that connection is Bluetooth, in theory letting you hook your PC, laptop and/or MP3 player up to them with nary a wire in sight.

Either generously or superfluously, depending on your point of view, Creative bundles a Bluetooth adapter that will automatically sync with the S5 wireless speakers when it's plugged into a computer. However, if whatever you're connecting has Bluetooth built in - most laptops and media players these days - pairing is hardly difficult, requiring only that you enter the oh-so-secure password "0000" to connect to the speakers, once found.
The compact design of the speakers is definitely worth commenting on. The S2s employ a 2.1-channel set-up with the satellites accurately described as palm-sized, each measuring 73 x 74 x 103mm (W x D x H). Even the subwoofer at 180 x 232 x 200mm doesn't takes up much room making this speaker set a good choice if space is at a premium.

Although these speakers are pitched primarily as 'wireless', the right speaker features both a 3.5mm headphone output and an aux-in. The latter is useful for connecting any device not equipped with Bluetooth and for which an adapter is either unavailable or too expensive.

The right-hand satellite speaker also features the volume controls and a standby button, and the subwoofer's bass level can be independently tuned to mix in with the S2 Wireless speakers' overall output.

The Creative S2 Wireless speakers may be diminutive in stature, but they're anything but in their output, as I duly discovered when they defaulted to full volume upon pairing with an iPod touch. These speakers have no problem in filling a room with sound - just don't sit to close or you'll find your ears ringing for some time.